By Jennifer Lopez, Arizona State University, Sociology. Jennifer is a Parents2Partners intern whose work and research focus on improving the school systems that serve students.
After my mock interview with my mentor, I decided to study some of the best interviewers in the world to prepare for my own interviews. Barbara Walters was an American broadcast journalist known for her non confrontational, personable style. She won over viewers and made guests comfortable enough to open up.
I watched her ABC interview with Donald Trump, a famously bold and polarizing guest. It shows how she kept control of the conversation while leading with warmth.
Calm tone and body language
Throughout the interview, Walters kept a calm tone and relaxed body language. She smiled, nodded, and used light humor to ease the room after a tough question. These small choices made her approachable.
Space to speak
She used pauses to give her guest room to answer, and she acknowledged his perspective. One moment stood out: “I used some words to describe you disparagingly. What words would you use to describe Donald Trump?” The question was respectful and invited reflection.
What I am taking into my own interviews
- Great interviews come from building trust, not only from asking the right questions.
- A respectful demeanor, tone, and approach open people up.
- Lead with empathy when framing questions.
- Use nonverbal communication, like nodding and a warm expression, to build rapport.
Reference
ABC News. Barbara Walters interviews Donald Trump on ABC’s 20/20 [Video]. YouTube. Watch the interview